Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-04-22
The Burlington Y. VI. G. A.
editor of the Free Press.

To the Editor of the Free Press
To-dav's Independent has an editorial
upon the caption of this communication.
And the conclusions reached are so at
variance with my own convictions, [ beg
space for reply. The Young Mems
Christian association was organized to
counteract the allurements of saloons
drinking, gambling, and billiard-and of
other questionable resorts. Generations
of young men are coming on the stage
every day and have these same old
questions to solve. The bad influences
exist, stronger, more manifold to-day.
perhaps, than ever before. And so long
as this continues, so long is there de-
mand for the Y. M: G. A. 1t is acknow-
lodged that it has done good in the past,
Is now doing good, and that its future is
bright with promise
The Christian elements in the organiza-
ton, Christian method in the work, and
the band of fellowship created are what
has enabled it to absorb and supplant
similar secular organizations. There is
we'll founded belief that already church
work is assuming too wide scope; and
this proposition to unload on the churches
and their overwhelmed pastors and lay
men the special work now done by the Y.
M. c. A. is wholly impracticable.
Another objection to the Independents
plan Is that such action would defeat the
object aimed at. The Y. NJ. C. A. keeps
open doors for all young men, seeking to
develope in them true Christian manhood.
Many youth, bright and vigorous, but
whose moral perceptions have been blunt
ed by contact with the world, may re-
gard religious men as of small account,
and he would hesitate much, and perhaps
fatally, before he would enter the sacred
precincts of the church. But Y. NJ c.
A. parlor, thronged with his associates in
business If not in pleasure, where he can
pass his time in friendly talk, reading
games. gymnastics, without the restraint
and solemnlty conveyed by church edi-
flee, would be beacon for his wandering
feet
Then churches would not combine as
one in doing the work, and if each did it's
own work among the young men of it's
own congregation, the number in some
cases would be inconsiderable, and
encouragement and the additional
Then a young mans most intimate, wisest
friends might belong to a different church
organization.
The Y. NJ. g. A. rooms are open day and
night, and have accommodations which
churches do not, and could not, have.
These associations are becoming sort
of fraternity. and a member may carry
letters from one to another, and imme-
diately feel that he is among genuine
friends, though in a strange city. But
how many or how great the arguments
adduced against innovation, the editor
will acknowledge the point | make, when
| say that the best way to show the value
of his proposition is by an earnest, helpful
adherence to the present system till it is
shown to be weak and inefficient. If the
Y. NJ c: A. is in prosperous condition
at this time" why raise the question of
dissolution? hope some of the directors
will consider it their mission to give the
editor of the Independent needed infor-
nation as to the aims of the association
its work and worth.
Although young man, | don't like his
on the older members of the
association. 1t is not shown that they
monopolize space, time, attention, or any
thing else to the exclusion of younger
men, while it is acknowledged that they
grew up from youth in the association,
and are still active. We cannot afft r | to
throw away their large influence and ex-
perience, good example, wise counsel, and
liberal pecuniary aid. And especially in
this crisis of our association can we i'll
afford to lose them. The new home we
want, and the enlarged sphere of use
fulness we may enter, can be reached
better by the association now, than if it
had to win recognition and confidence
anew. JAY.
Burlington, April 10, 1887.